Prolouge: The price of our modern society

“Stupid ponies. Who needs them and their stupidly obnoxious colors and attitudes? Not me...thats for sure.” The young girl lied to herself, believing it would lessen her recent rejection.

It did not.

That verbal declaration from her ex-best friend had stung her the most, she couldn’t say if it was the words themselves or the unexpected betrayal but knew both in their way kept her from flying home. To spread her wings once more and fly back to safety of her clan’s ancestral mountains called to her like the sun does to the ponies of Equestria; it was a comfort that cradled their kind and reminded them a mother’s presence.

She didn’t have such a comfort anymore, but at least she would be surrounded by familiar faces that wouldn’t lash out or ostracize her the moment she made her presence known. Every time the young griffon would open her eyes and take in the rich and vibrant beauty of their “mortal enemy’s land” it left her with mixed feelings- wonder and rooted jealousy.

Why were the ponies able to have all of this and more while her kind war and stole from their fellow griffon? Even the hippogriffs, a hybrid of griffon and pony who were considered rogues and inferiors are viewed with more respect and social acceptability today than her own kind. No other nation let alone race can go claw to claw with Equestria since they had placed themselves on their prestigious pillar, and all it took was the complete destruction of every race to do it.

By now her rambilistic moping had led her far away from the town for it to be considered a light jog, but somehow those dweebs could still create such a loud racket. Even from here it sounded like they were saying her name…

The griffon whirled around as the sharp crunching of gravel finally sunk in and alerted her she was being followed. Reflex and skill took effect as she braced herself for against the foolish creature that dared to sneak up on her, but as the familiar speck of a purple dweeb became clear she dropped the act. Whatever this pony wanted wasn’t of her concern and frankly after today she could care even less about them; rivalries once more had ruined a friendship, with one being victorious to reap the rewards while the other was exiled to an uncertain future.

“Gilda! Wait!”

So even as she heard her name being shouted, she shrugged it off as another unwanted nuisance. The longer she lingered in Ponyville, the longer she’ll be reminded of her loss and with her ties finally cut opted to never return. The life of a nomad isn’t an easy existence but with her homeland made up of nothing but constant warring clans, it was nearly impossible to live quietly; perhaps she could find comfort along the northern borders where a fairly large griffon population lived.

It wasn’t a grand or well thought out plan but sometimes those that required to simply wing it work the best, because it means there is less room for disappointment when things don’t go as planned.

“GILDA!”

The griffon paused all notions and motions as her ears and mind conjured a conclusion to the voice and what it came to didn’t settle well for her. Looking back only confirmed that somehow while she pondered and sulked the little pony had caught up and now stood only a few paces away.

“Twilight was it?” the unicorn gave a slight nod. “Despite what happened, I’m not forgetful or as mean as you may think. Its hard adjusting to such sensitive ponies.”

“Skittish yes, but I wouldn’t use the term sensitive to describe Ponyville.. more like over-dramatic.” Twilight in true fashion of her stature and birthright defended her fellow subjects.

A modest peace fell over the two representatives of two vastly differing cultures, the former chained to some unseen stone with the latter oblivious as she floated in the wind. Gilda kept her unmoving resolve in the hope it’ll transfer into the stubbornness she wanted to weaken the unicorns desire to seek an explanation, but when the friend stealer held fast the griffon fell back.

“Dweebs. That’s what they are and will ever be.”

“See Gilda, its this sort of attitude that lost you Rainbow Dash as a friend. If we go back right now and apologize we may be able put this mess behind us, and Rainbow Dash might even forgive you!”

“I will not go back begging for forgiveness like some scolded animal! I’m a griffon of a honorable lineage that has strove to live by our old ways, and for that reason alone is why I don’t blow you off right now. Dash made her decision when she chose you, somepony she just met only months ago over her best friend she had known for years.”

Since becoming the Element of Magic and foremost leading scholar in the growing field of friendship, the unicorn had been slowly adjusting to seeing her perception of the world being chipped away. From the moment Twilight chose to pursue the rash griffon, the talk was already doomed. Under the flag of friendship, she had hoped to discuss and possibly extend an olive branch between them; a small step but one that would maybe one day allow them to be considered friends.

But like all great fields of learning, you didn’t learn everything there was to learn in one day but over a long course through constant trial and error.

“You ponies are quick to ostracize what you don’t understand, even at the price of those suffering around you.”

The more you try the more you succeed or fail; the more you have the less you have or so she had been told.

“Your nation has always been that way since its founding and used the banishment your princess as an excuse to bring not only my kind but the world to the brink of ruin!”

No matter what you may desire from life too what you may have, nopony can have everything.

“Bu..bu..but Gilda! How can you just say something like that and not expect me to question the accuracy of it? You’re words counter the very teachings of my nation's’ history and morality.” Twilight Sparkle in a rare moment of weakness allowed her anger to seep to the surface. Her face didn’t even try to hid the rage or irritation digging itself in as she grinded her teeth together.

Gilda at this pointed had already met her patience and tolerance of ponies and watching the personal student fume like a spoiled chick had the opposite effect. In fact she found the display almost like a comical stereotype of a closed, and simple minded pony hearing something that didn’t support their belief. The griffon’s grin only widen.

“You ponies have always prided yourself on peace, friendship; preaching of acceptance and forgiveness but is really true or a lie you spread? Have you ever taken the time to question the reasoning why so few griffons, zebras, minotaurs are even seen in Equestria? In fact when was the last time you heard of a species not your own living in such abundance? When was the last time you heard of diplomatic talks between Equestria and an other nation?”

Gilda waited and when the dweeb failed to counter, continued with her rant.

“What about the buffalo dweeb? Have you forgotten about them like everybody else? They may follow that “migration path” of their ancestors but did you know that at one point they had a home! A home that Equestria allowed to be turned to ash and forcing them to flee for their lives; their migration path is nothing but their reminder. A reminder to run from the flames else they’ll be killed!”

Twilight flinched more noticeably than she had wanted but the harshness and weight behind the griffons words left had her mind reeling. The absurdity was on par with the notion of not using magic to run machines but water to generate the necessary power to run them. The thought of not using magic was enough to send Twilight off the walls, let alone all the unknowns that came with such a field of thought.

And yet, Twilight’s very nature couldn’t allow her to discard such an interesting and original concept. Gilda’s personal declaration was unnerving and contradictory to her personal beliefs and teachings but it was how the griffon said it was what interested the unicorn the most.

There was too much emotion and generational teachings behind the young griffon’s words to simply dismiss without a second thought. Having lived in Canterlot where the largest library of written information is housed, Twilight honestly couldn't recall ever reading about such an account and if there’s an alternate telling to Equestria’s history than it was her duty to bring this to light.

“OK. Gilda, while I’m still unwilling to believe your claims…” Twilight raised her hoof the exact moment the agitated griffon’s body twitched to argue.” While I can’t believe them, I’ll admit you’re not lying nor are you mixing fact and fiction up. There is more to this story that I obviously don’t know and if you are willing, I would like to hear more about it.”

While her words were spoken truthfully, adamantly each word was laced with the underlying tone of one only wanting to know for the sake of knowing: not for the desire to learn from the past and understand. Gilda may be a young griffon, just barely able to fly on her own but having spent much of her time around many different ponies, she learnt early on how to read a pony.

“Save it. You’re just like all the other ponies; never daring or curious enough to seek the truth. All of your eyes are closed to everything but the perfect world created from the ashes of another.” Gilda, even surprising herself had managed to hold back that troublesome temper, which for once felt kinda nice being able to leave on her own accord and not being driven out.

She turned around with her wings extended and ready to make for her home when the whiny voice of Twilight caused her to flinch.

“Wait! I..I…I didn’t mean however I said it!”

“Oh so little miss princess doesn’t want to learn about my race?”

“No! I..I mean yes, but.” It was already too late for the young mare. The agitated griffon had already sprung her trap to only fuel the fire burning in her heart. Gilda knew what the unicorn had meant but the generational anger was a very hard thing to ignore.

“Listen, nothing against you personally but you’re a pony and that is why you will never understand.” Gilda was in the midst of resuming her departure when a crazy thought hit her. Where it came from she didn’t know but for it to suddenly form and involve thatwas the only reason for its continued existence.

Twilight watched with baited breath as the griffon paused her pre-flight motions. Gilda turned her attention to the little satchel that hung loosely around her chest, carefully digging into it before freezing. In a display Twilight could only compare to either Fluttershy or of a mother, she watched as Gilda delicately lifted a section of cloth from the bag. From how the griffon held it, there was something carefully wrapped within its boundaries.

“This…” Gilda paused as she once more turned to face the unicorn, using her wings as a balance to her three legs. “...is a very important item passed down in my family for generations. This is a physical reminder of where it all began.”

Twilight watched paralyzed with uncertainty as the griffon extended her claw out, wanting the unicorn to take it. The gesture and action being a complete flip from their prior engagement only added to awkwardness of it but in the end it was a step in the right direction. Twilight reached out with her magic, watching as her distinct aura swirled and engulfed the fabric completely. Satisfied the young pony had her family’s heirloom secured, Gilda retracted her claw while trying to hold back the urge to reclaim it.

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“That is perhaps the last existing reminder of the Griffon’s legacy. Watch over it, care for it, but most of all please never forget its meaning.” Twilight opened her mouth but flinched away as a gust of dirt collided her face, the faint beatings of wings were the only thing left of her companion.

___________________________________________________________________

Twilight sat unmoving in the same chair since her thought provoking encounter with Rainbow Dash’s ex griffon friend hours earlier. Laying undisturbed in the same weathered cloth laid the very same object Gilda had not only forcefully left with her, but had been in the griffon’s own words the answer to questions she never knew to ask.

In front of her, laid an exact stack of 12 sheets of parchment, two inkwells, and three quills at the ready for her endeavor into unlocking whatever it is she had sought to know. Yet, despite having been scouring numerous books and references at her disposal, Twilight couldn’t find a single image or passage on the object next to her. Both Griffon(what little there was), and Equestrian references said nothing.

With much of her afternoon wasted, the unicorn ended up drifting in thought over this seemingly worthless, and yet possibly historical trinket. The jewels have been worn with age, and so have much of the original color but what has remained only teased her at what it once looked like. A massive two headed eagle founded the base: an imperial crown floated on ribbons above this eagle with similar crowns adorning each head. Resting on the eagle’s chest was a cross nearly its entire size, and resting on the cross laid another much smaller eagle; on an off note it finally answered her question where the saying “spread eagle” came from but it didn’t mean the same here.

The eagles of this trinket weren’t attracting mates, but displaying themselves in a way that signaled strength and pride. A presentation that looked more common with display pieces because this craftsmareship screamed not for the common folks, plus the faint traces of yellow lining could very well be pure gold.

But how did a griffon such as Gilda acquire such a fascinating and one of a kind item? Even Gilda in some rare way was different than how she was taught griffons were suppose to act; nothing but marauders and thieves the likes of them and surprisingly she presented herself more closer to the wondering Buffalo-prideful, but just a little more pompous.

Twilight would have sat in that same chair hours longer if it weren’t for the sudden whining of stair boards. Her ears swiveled first before dragging her head around to follow, and to her great astonishment stood Princess Luna! She was about to leap from her chair and bow before apologizing for her lack of courtesy when the cooling sensation of magic rushed over her, keeping her still.

“Please fair Twilight, be still and forget the burdens of protocol. I did not sense your dream and was simply checking on you.”

“Oh! Well sorry about that Lun..Princess Luna. I was just thinking about something…a habit of burning the midnight oil often when it comes to seeking knowledge.” Twilight retorted unintentionally.

Having grown up in a society like Canterlot, especially around a culture like the nobility had weakened her patience tremendously; a trait she hadn’t noticed until leaving for Ponyville. Realizing how it sounded, Twilight cringed away as her remark echoed ominously in her mind. Luna having spent a nice length of time on the moon, didn’t understand the tone and hidden meaning behind most modern speech and because of that didn’t catch it.

“Please Twilight, I said there was no need for protocol so just call me Luna.”

Twilight wanted insist on the matter, but after watching the thin smile Luna was wearing ended the matter. With her mood restored, and the matter laid to rest ignited her curiosity once more and the question that continued carving itself in her mind. She cast a quick glance from Luna to the cloth, to the stacks of books, to the cloth again and ended with Luna once more.

“Twilight, if I may intrude what is it that ails your rest and keeps you wound up?”

“Well I’ve encountered something interesting…”

“Go on.”

“And I can’t find any source material about it. I originally thought it was because my shelves were lacking the proper books, but if was the case then there still should have been some references in the references. There isn’t any period.”

“So, your books are just a tad outdated then?”

“What? Never! I mean there isn’t a single description:picture, painting, account, reference. The amulet just doesn’t exist.”

Luna took her time absorbing her savior’s intellectual problem and as the pieces fell into place, so did her understanding of the problem as a whole. Something existed despite the worlds current knowledge, but what really caught the monarch’s attention was the mention of an amulet.

Could the Alicorn Amulet still exist?

“Twilight. May I see this amulet?” The way Luna had asked the simple question worried the unicorn.

Not seconds ago, the pair were working together to discover an answer to the lack of an answer and now… Twilight’s attention stretched from Luna to the cloth sitting beside her before instinctual fear sent her teleporting behind the princess. With a shaky hoof, she pointed to the faded cloth resting on her desk.

Ignoring her savior for the moment, Luna enacted a few incantations before seizing the object in her magic. Both mares tensed as the cloth was slowly removed, allowing its fragile core to freely float in front of a startled princess.

“It’s bad isn’t it? Oh ponyfeathers! I knew I shouldn’t have accepted that from Gilda, but she was just so believable.”

“ Who is this Gilda?” Luna asked as she merely stared at the now possibly confirmed bad magical item.

“She’s a griffon Rainbow Dash once knew and started caus…”

“A griffon gave this to you willing? Where on Equis did she acquire such a thing?”

“I don’t know where, she claimed it was a family heirloom, but how she got it doesn’t matter! We need to find her and.. Luna are you alright?”

Twilight asked as her princess and newest friend carefully wrapped the amulet once more and set it back on the desk. She said nothing, just staring at the mysterious object on the desk before mumbling a phrase that hurt Twilight on a personal level.

“Just like Celestia to bury the past. Well sister the past has a nasty habit of returning doesn’t?”

“Luna..”

“That isn’t an amulet Twilight but something I thought no longer existed. You have in your possession an Imperial Griffon Medal of Valor.”

The weight of Luna’s words stunned the studious unicorn. Griffons today are nothing but a mass of warring clans that at best were a governmental confederacy, but Luna’s claim meant that wasn’t always the case.

“The Griffons in the time leading up to my banishment were a very different race and in ways more advanced than us ponies. If my academic pursuits are bearing fruit than I may even take a guess to say that the modern Royal Guard were inspired by their military.”

This was too much to take all at once. So many questions and theories began to circulate in her mind but were squashed the instant Luna summoned two pillows and took a seat.

“Please sit Twilight for I’ll provide the answers you seek. Besides Celestia, the griffon Gilda, and myself, no other soul knows what I’m about to tell you and if I could, I would change that. To understand that medal's reason for existing is to turn back the pages of time to the years before my banishment. A time of civil unrest on an unprecedented scale and the war to end all wars.”

Princess Luna lowered herself to the ground so she was laying on all fours, her nose nearly touching Twilight’s skittish nose as she whispered this final sentence.

“Let me tell you about the price our ancestors paid for to birth our modern society.”

Author's Note

Alright, after nearly two years I'm finally starting one of major story projects. This story at the moment is planned on being relatively short in chapters but not in word length. By the title it should be fairly straight forward what inspired this fanfiction, and I suggest you read the book just because its a good read.